Winners of Gosford City Council’s inaugural Gosford City Heritage Awards were announced at special ceremony held in Council Chambers yesterday evening.

The awards acknowledge the efforts of those who actively conserve our heritage as well as educate and promote heritage and history within the Gosford Local Government Area.

The awards also form part of celebrations for Australian Heritage Week and the National Trust Heritage Festival 2013.

Mayor of Gosford City, Clr Lawrie McKinna said the Heritage Awards showcase the number of dedicated individuals focused on the preservation of our local history.

“These awards give us a chance to publicly thank the individuals and organisations that invest their time and skills into caring for and preserving our heritage.

“We were blown away by the number and quality of entries, especially as this is the Heritage Awards’ inaugural year.

“Some of the award recipients have made movies, written books and even established museums all devoted to documenting and educating people about our heritage.

“Congratulations to all of the deserving award winners for your outstanding contribution to our city,” Clr McKinna said.   

Award winners:

Excellence in Heritage Conservation

The Gunyah at Terrigal for extensive conservation works of the interior and exterior of the c. 1911 building and its adaptation as a dental surgery. 

Excellence in Interpretation Projects

Bob Fitzgerald for the writing, direction and production of the documentary film Ettalong Beach, Then and Now; shown for the first time at the Ettalong Festival 2012.

AND

The St Joseph’s Spirituality and Education Centre Museum at Kincumber South which was established by volunteers Zeena Elton and Bridie Murphy and provides a historical display depicting the history and artefacts of the St Joseph’s Home for Boys. 

Excellence in Historical Research and Publication 

Marie Riley for her book Kincumber South Remembered: A Social History of the Community and the Boys Home. The book concentrates on the settlement of Kincumber South and the history of the St Joseph’s Boys Home which was established in 1887.  Marie dedicated 4 years to the project including collecting oral histories and researching the history and people of Kincumber South. 

Outstanding Achievement Award 

Keith Paull for his committed research into the history and heritage of the Upper Mangrove Creek area, including collecting the stories of the area, plotting the sites of early settlement and recording the oral histories and genealogies of the families within the area.

AND 

Gwen Dundon for her overall dedication to local history and heritage. Gwen has published six books celebrating our local history, donated significantly to the Local Studies section of the library and tirelessly supports others in their historical research and promotion of our significant heritage.